posted Oct 8, 2008

Thing is Crouch was still being chosen despite his lack of games for us. Signing for another club and getting to play regularly is what helped, as Crouch has gotten out more to show what he can do. When we signed him he came into the limelight and got his England chance.

When you consider Crouch, Heskey, Owen, Defoe, Rooney, Walcott, Johnson as striking options, Owen is ruled out for non-consistency with Newcastle at the moment, Johnson hasnt done anything other than get himself about and gotten a sending-off. Walcott is now considered for the right-wing outright.

Crouch has to come in. Nice acrobatic goal on Sunday, folowing up against Spurs previously, I think Capello has chosen him for what he does off the ball as well as on it. Owen seemed lethargic on Sunday as if he felt he had no point to prove if he is being overlooked for England.

Heskey a powerhouse, Rooney is rugged and tricky, Defoe is small but nimble and Crouch adds height and control, holds up the ball well and could score for us. I dont see anything wrong with that.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 8, 2008

comment by Jürgen Hingsen (U8314349)
posted 3 Hours Ago

Crouch is in the team on merit through form and attitude on top of having a good record at international level and bringing some playmaking skills.

His comparison with Owen is a non-starter. The real comparison is with Defoe who now has a chance to step up to the plate. If he fails then Owen will be recalled.
-------------------------
Good call - totally agree. My trouble with Defoe is that he isnt a team player from what I have seen of him. He seems to get his head down and just runs at goal - which can be effective sometimes - but can also frustrate team-mates in a better position to score.

I hope Defoe does well though - he is a goalscorer - but he needs to prove he can make the step-up to international football.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 8, 2008

Don't get me wrong, I like Defoe, but he just doesn't do it for England. I would like to Heskey and Owen start, with Rooney and Crouch available on the bench.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 8, 2008

As for Owen - he doesnt seem happy at the moment. His attitude isnt right and also he came out and openly went against Capello after the France game (I think) - saying he didnt know where he was supposed to be playing or something - and to ask the manager.

I wouldnt mind betting that Capello is just letting him know who is boss. Fair play to him I reckon! Its what england players need!

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 8, 2008

Michael Owen has a serious attitude problem. If I were a coach I wouldn't want him in my dressing room, as his negativity would be likely to infect other players. (Don't get me started on his continuing to be selected as captain for Newcastle.)

I've never particularly liked Peter Crouch as a player but he has started to impress me recently. He's getting much more involved in games, he's showing some creativity and he's actually making an effort. My main objection to him in the past was that, for such a tall man, he was hopeless in the air. Now he's making the effort to jump, though, that has changed.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 8, 2008

Ok Skiitan we won't get you started on Owen as England captain...your ignorant comments about his "attitude problem" show the level of your intelligence, so we're better off without anymore input, thanks anyway.

Somebody said Rooney and Crouch could play together. This would be very unfair on Rooney who has a great eye for a pass - Crouch has no pace so can't get onto the end of a thru ball.

However he (Crouch) is a decent finisher, so don't mind seeing him as a sub if we need to resort to long-ball tactics in the final 15 mins of a game.

I would start with Heskey and Rooney as they are the men in possession. Owen, Crouch and Defoe should all be in the squad / on the bench (not sure how many ur allowed in WC games).

But a first choice line up for England should be Rooney and Owen (if he gets back to top form) as they are the only 2 WORLD CLASS strikers England have. The others aren't able to operate on the same level.

However, I agree with Capello that places still need to be earned and it's a great incentive to Defoe, etc, to keep on scoring, to earn a place in the squad on merit.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 8, 2008

Hmm.. I don't really think Rooney and owen would be a great pairing, we'd be better off with one of them and Crouch or Heskey to hold up the ball

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 8, 2008

crouch has nice facial hair

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 8, 2008

harry bulls*its anyone who can earn him a few bob crouchie we wernt born yesterday, and now the present banking crisis look out for plenty of transfer activity at pompey in january,harry will need to replenish any iceladic bank money that he had hiding there.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Oct 9, 2008

brandyrecovery:

"However he (Crouch) is a decent finisher, so don't mind seeing him as a sub if we need to resort to long-ball tactics in the final 15 mins of a game."

This is exactly the sort of stupid notion that saw us knocked-out of the Euros. Crouch is, and has always been, much more than 'the big lad you stick a high ball into the box for.'

He has a range of ball skills & ability to hold the ball up, which Owen, for all his finishing ability and (waning) pace, hasn't.

Yes - Owen has a good record, but to play him 'cos he scored lots in the past, then lamp forward high balls when he fails, is the sort of rubbish McLaren came up with.

add comment | complain about this comment